Operating profit growth
at constant exchange rates

Operating profit measures the surplus that the Group makes from selling jewellery, watches and other products and services. It depends on the cost of goods sold, the level of operating costs and other operating income. The most significant operating cost categories are staff, property operating lease rentals and marketing.

As many of the Group’s costs are comparatively fixed, sales per store is important in determining operating profit. To at least maintain its operating profit, the Group needs total sales growth sufficient to offset any adverse movement in gross margin and increases in operating expenses from both existing operations and new store selling space. The impact of changes in sales (either adverse or favourable) on operating profit is less in the US division than in the UK business, as certain expenses, such as staff costs and property rentals are more related to sales in the US.